Saturday, June 10, 2023

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

I promised my family that I'd come down to visit them in Massachusetts so I packed up my car early this morning.  First, though, I attended the Men of St. Joseph meeting at Sacred Heart (0730 to 0900).  Next, I drove to Concord (via I-89 and NH-103) and went for a walk along the Contoocook River.  Between 1000 and 1045, I hiked the Jim Hill River Walk Trail System on the outskirts of the city.  After I reached the picnic area at Dolly Beach (at the end of the trail), I realized I’d been there a year ago (when I hiked in the Mast Yard State Forest).  Signage this time was much better!  It wasn’t a long walk but it helped me break in some new boots and log a few miles in the midst of many hours of driving.  Foiled a "hitchhiking attempt" by a tick, so that was a good reminder for my AT hiking season...  I then drove (via back roads) towards Concord so I could take a walk on a new section of the Northern Rail Trail.  I parked near the end of the trail in Boscawen and got some additional exercise nearby between 1100 and 1200.  Since my last visit, the Friends of the NRT in New Hampshire had added several hundred yards of new bike trail and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the surface was!  Reversing course, I walked over to pay my respects at the Hannah Dustan Statue again. I’d recently read a good book about this place and the events that happened here so it was more meaningful than last time.  I walked a bit on the railroad tracks too.  They have been well maintained to allow people to ride little pedal cars all the way into Concord - it was funny to watch them passing.  Overall, it was a beautiful day at the junction of the Merrimack and Contoocook!  After getting done, I drove (via US-3, I-393, I-93, NH-3A, I-93 and I-293) to the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester so I could get a free burger (for my birthday) at Red Robin.  I was at the restaurant from 1230 to 1300 and enjoyed my meal very much.  There was a slight problem with using the birthday coupon but I ended up getting the free burger anyway because of the nice server lady.  Next, left Manchester and drove (via I-93 and MA-3) to see Gerard in Plymouth.  I arrived at 1500 and visited with him until about 1630.  We had a nice talk - it was good to be able to catch up with him!  Afterwards, I drove to my dad's house (arrived at 1700).  For the next hour, I visited with Dad and Beth until it was time to get food for dinner.  I went with my dad to pick up the pizza nearby and we then enjoyed a  nice meal together.  We even had birthday cake!  Afterwards, took a walk with my dad around the old part of Sandwich - we saw an osprey's nest above the ball field!  Dad and Beth went to bed early so I read in the guest room.  Extra bonus: I also talked with Eileen briefly.  Went to bed by 2230 - glad to have some time with family on the Cape!